Description
This loaded chili cheese cornbread bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup. With hearty chili and cheesy cornbread in one pan, it’s a game day winner.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Base:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
¼ cup melted butter or oil
For the Chili Topping:
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ lb ground beef or turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix)
Optional Toppings (for serving):
Sour cream
Green onions
Jalapeños
Cilantro
Hot sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet.
Make the cornbread base: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Cook the chili: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Add black beans, tomatoes, and corn. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until mixture thickens slightly.
Layer the dish: Spoon the chili mixture evenly over the cornbread batter. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until cornbread is golden at the edges and cheese is bubbly.
Cool slightly before slicing. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Want it vegetarian? Skip the meat and double the beans.
Spice it up with chopped jalapeños or hot sauce in the chili.
You can prep the chili ahead and assemble when ready to bake.
Leftovers are fantastic for lunch—just reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American
